House Republicans hold ‘team-building’ retreat

House Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan Williams tells The Tennessean about 50 members attended a “retreat” and fundraiser on Sunday and Monday.

Most of the meetings were at the offices of a Nashville law firm, where he says the Republican representatives heard from the three state constitutional officers, discussed membership dues and forthcoming open legislative seats and participated in team-building sessions (including a bowling outing).

“One of the most important things I can do in order to build a team is let people spend time with each other,” he said.

Williams said lawmakers in attendance also were given an opportunity to tour the Cordell Hull building, which is undergoing renovation and will be the new home of legislative offices and committee rooms later this year.

…Williams said there was no discussion of legislation or the controversial bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest, which is set to be discussed Friday when the state Capitol Commission meets.

“If we talked about policy, whether it’s Nathan Bedford or something else, it might just be cause to divide us,” he said.

On Sunday, dinner and bowling took place at Pinewood Social. The retreat culminated in a Monday night caucus fundraiser at the Hermitage Hotel.